Metered drop push button dispenser system

Abstract

A reusable continuously sealing metered dosing one-way valve assembly and delivery system flows a premeasured amount of a sterile flowable substance from a source which is coupled to an actuator assembly to an outlet orifice and prevents any backflow of contaminants through the continuously sealing one way valve assembly when the flowable substance ceases to flow. The valve assembly includes an elastomeric membrane which aids in preventing any backflow of contaminants when dispensing of the flowable substance is stopped. Multiple dosing of preservative-free flowable substance is provided.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Continuation-in-part of PCT International Application No. PCT / US08 / 75443, filed Sep. 5, 2008, which claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 970,588, filed Sep. 7, 2007. This application is also a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 949,154, filed Dec. 3, 2007, now pending, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 267,868, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,129. This application is also a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 092,689, filed on May 5, 2008, now pending, which is a U.S. National Phase application of PCT International Application No. PCT / US06 / 42940, filed Nov. 3, 2006, which claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 823,452, filed Aug. 24, 2006 and which is also a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 267,868, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,129. This application is also a Continuation...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a dispensing or delivery system conveys a flowable substance from a closed source, such as a collapsible reservoir within a rigid container or a rigid reservoir, while preventing any backflow of oxygen or other contaminants from the ambient atmosphere through the valve assembly and into the source of the flowable substance after a portion of the substance has been dispensed. Such a device can be formed from a valve assembly, an actuator assembly and a source for flowable substance.

[0010]An axially extending flexible membrane tightly encloses the inner core and covers the outlet end of the port through the inner core. The flexible membrane moves outwardly from the inner core when the flowable substance is pressurized and passes through the port and flows toward the outlet end of the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane is structured such that it is, for example, thicker at the end closest to the valve opening, e.g. the flexible membrane is not uniformly thick along its length. This thickness allows the valve to seal at the thicker end first. Alternatively, even if the membrane was of uniform thickness, the elasticity of the membrane can be varied so that the portion of the membrane closest to the valve opening is less elastic, resulting in the portion of the membrane closest to the valve opening closing first.

[0011]In exemplary embodiments, the flexible membrane and, as described above, the inner core, are of a substantially tapered or substantially conical shape, allowing for the rapid assembly and nesting of the flexible membrane over the inner core.

[0012]A valve cover located laterally outwardly from the flexible membrane ends at the controllable outlet orifice. The pressurized flowable substance travels between the radially outwardly extended flexible membrane and the outer surface of the inner core and flows to the controllable outlet orifice. The outlet orifice provides for controlled amounts of the flowable substance to be dispensed. An over cap covers the exterior of the valve cover to protect the valve assembly during storage. A collar can join the valve assembly to the reservoir and afford a sealed arrangement preventing any flow of contaminants into the reservoir. The collar and the neck area of the reservoir are designed with locking features that permit the override of the collar during assembly but subsequently prevent the unscrewing and disassembly of the collar and the opening of and likely contamination of the system.

[0013]In exemplary embodiments, metered dispensing is achieved by an actuator assembly, for example, through the placement of a check valve and chamber between the reservoir and valve assembly or through the use of a check valve and chamber alone. Such a configuration may be push button actuated, which also allows for significantly easier dispensing in terms of the force required to be exerted by the user to dispense flowable substance.

Problems solved by technology

The use of preservatives tends to be detrimental to users and often limits the effectiveness of the flowable substance, particularly when the flowable substance is a pharmaceutical such as an eye care solution, an intranasal drug, cosmetic treatment or skin treatment product.

Such squeezing can be difficult for the very young or very old and for physically challenged or disabled individuals.

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